Effects of Topographic Characteristics on Internal Wave Generation in Uniform & Non-Uniform Stratifications

Internal tide generation by barotropic flow over topography is well-recognized to be a significant source of mechanical energy that can contribute to deep ocean vertical mixing. Advances in observations and numerical modelling have led to improved global estimates of barotropic-to-baroclinic conversion via internal tide generation. However, features such as the wavenumber distribution of the generated internal tides, the role of nonuniform stratification, and the effects of topographic shapes, remain poorly understood. In this study, we use the Green function approach to model internal tide generation by ocean floor topography to address some of these questions. A specific question concerns how the internal tide characteristics vary with the criticality and height ratio of the topography. Does the answer depend on the stratification profile and the shape of the topography?